Creating and Sustaining Vibrant Local Economies in Maine

University of Maine

Augusta, ME

What would a vibrant series of local economies look like (vision for the future)? Why is it important to have strong local economies? What are Local Economies in Maine? What ideas/steps can be taken away to carry out these goals and create more vibrant local economies? If you are involved in or concerned about ANY aspect of local economies or the harms the global economy is inflicting on Maine, its people, and its environment, this conference is for you. This includes buy-local campaigns, cooperatives, transition town members, people of faith, union members, the overworked, workers not represented by unions, time bank members, sustainable economy advocates, those without homes or paying jobs, environmentalists, small business development supporters, local foods/local manufacturing advocates, those opposing excessive corporate influence, living wage supporters, anti-poverty activists, immigrants/new Mainers, clean air, water, and soil advocates, new business financiers, worker rights and safety advocates, and anyone who wants Maine to have a more robust, locally-based economy.

Maine’s economy is struggling. Workers put in more hours for less pay and benefits. Unemployment is high. The wealth gap between rich and poor is growing larger. Big corporations and multi-nationals are leaving the state or threatening to do so. The environment is being compromised in the name of “jobs, jobs, jobs.” Some costs for things like health care are skyrocketing, while some goods are cheap because they are made by exploited workers in other countries. The global economy is not working. Maine needs a new economy. Local economies can bring the prosperity and economic success that Maine is struggling to achieve.